MEDIA RELEASE - Vodafone New Zealand is to establish a $50 million South Island headquarters in the heart of Christchurch’s new Innovation Precinct.

The purpose-built, four-level facility at Tuam Street will allow Vodafone to bring together its 350 Christchurch staff – currently working across several temporary sites – into one central location, with significant capacity for future expansion and growth.

Russell Stanners, Vodafone CEO, says Vodafone’s Christchurch development underlines the company’s on-going commitment to the city – and the South Island.

“We have a proud history in Christchurch. This new building will facilitate the growth and development of our entire South Island business, as well as supporting the recovery and growth of the city,” he said.

“The development will embrace our technology solutions and offer the most advanced working environment in New Zealand. We’re setting a new workplace standard: fully mobile, cloud and video aware, delivering new levels of productivity and convenience for our employees, customers and partners.”

Vodafone Christchurch will feature a unique “innovation incubator” – the xone™ – developed and sustained jointly with Callaghan Innovation and the city of Christchurch.

The xone™ will provide technical expertise, logistical support and facilities to help promising New Zealand technology companies gain a fast-track into proof-of-concept trials across Vodafone’s network.

“This exciting new centre will deliver Vodafone’s global experience to help grow New Zealand’s entrepreneurial businesses and weightless exports,” Stanners continues. “The xone™ will allow between 10 and 20 start-ups to cluster together in a purpose-built, collaborative environment, and gain access to Vodafone’s global innovation community.

“Every element of the Vodafone SuperNet is available, making it a “playpen” of connectivity for these promising technology companies.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to share our expertise with the brightest and best South Island has to offer.”

The Vodafone xone™ in Christchurch will draw on the knowledge and learnings from successful Vodafone xones in Silicon Valley, London, Cairo, Dusseldorf and Milan.

Vodafone’s building will deliver more than 8,300 square metres of open plan floor space and will include a retail unit and cafe on the ground floor. It is being built by developer Calder Stewart, and leased under an exclusive long-term agreement with Vodafone.

Vodafone expects to be able to occupy the building in early 2016.